Metabolic syndrome criteria and severity and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in an adult population

Abstract

[eng] Background. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become a growing risk factor of some non-communicable diseases. Increase of greenhouse gas emissions affects the planet. Aims. To assess the association between MetS severity and amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted in an adult population. Design. Cross-sectional study (n = 6646; 55-76-year-old-men; 60-75-year-old-women with MetS). Methods. Dietary habits were assessed using a pre-validated semi quantitative 143-item food frequency questionnaire. The amount of CO2 emitted due to the production of food consumed by person and day was calculated using a European database, and the severity of the MetS was calculated with the MetS Severity Score. Results. Higher glycaemia levels were found in people with higher CO2 emissions. The risk of having high severe MetS was related to high CO2 emissions. Conclusions. Low CO2 emissions diet would help to reduce MetS severity. Advantages for both health and the environment were found following a more sustainable diet.